{{quote-source|A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.|[[Robert Baden-Powell]]}}

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Boy Scout Resident Camp (or Summer Camp) is what many Scouts enjoy most. Camp programs provide numerous opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges and just have fun! Summer Camps are at least five nights and six days of fun outdoor adventures. Many troops hold an [[Advancement Campout]] to help prepare new Scouts. Troops also provide [[Fundraising]] opportunities allowing a Scout to earn enough in their [[Individual Account]]s for a week of Summer Camp!

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Boy Scout Resident Camp (or Summer Camp) is what many Scouts enjoy most. Camp programs provide numerous opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges and just have fun! Summer Camps are at least five nights and six days of fun outdoor adventures. In one day of [[Fundraising]] you can earn enough in your [[Individual Account]] for a week of Summer Camp!

==What is summer camp like?==

==What is summer camp like?==

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Summer camp is FUN! Summer camps help boys develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Scouts learn and explore as they find adventure. Opportunities range from new Scout programs to more advanced challenges for older Scouts. Every summer camp is difference but will typically offer a range of programs that might include:

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Summer camp is FUN! Summer camps help boys develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Scouts learn and explore as they find adventure. Opportunities range from new Scout programs to more advanced challenges for older Scouts. Every summer camp is different but will typically offer a range of [[merit badges]] and [[awards]] that might include:

Check with your own summer camp and troop about what they suggest you bring and what items are restricted. In addition, different merit badges may require that you bring extra items. For instance [[Swimming]] might require you to bring a long-sleeve button-up shirt. To get you started, here is a general checklist: [[Camping Checklist]]. Here is also a checklist of what the BSA suggests you have in your personal [[First Aid Kit]].

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==Advancement in Summer Camp==

==Advancement in Summer Camp==

{{Main|Advancement in Summer Camp}}

{{Main|Advancement in Summer Camp}}

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{{quote-source|Camp staff members should be prepared and available to assist unit leaders in teaching and testing Scouts on Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements.

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{{quote-source|

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*Camp staff members who are qualified in the subject and are younger than age 18 may assist the merit badge counselor with instruction.

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*However, regardless of the class format, each Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badge's requirements.

*Partial completion of merit badges should be credited to a Scout on the Application for Merit Badge and given to the Scoutmaster at the end of the week.|[[Advancement in Summer Camp]]}}

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Camp merit badge counselors must be qualified (see "Qualifications of Counselors", page 13). Camp staff members who are qualified in the subject and are younger than age 18 may assist the merit badge counselor with instruction. The merit badge counselor or instructor in a particular subject should be available to both individuals and groups.

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However, regardless of the class format, each Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badge's requirements.

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==Age and Rank Requirements to Earn Merit Badges==

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:''Main: [[Merit Badge Introduction]]

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Each counselor must maintain the exact standards as outlined in the merit badge requirements -- nothing deleted, nothing added -- and make himself or herself available at the time most convenient to the Scouts. Partial completion of merit badges should be credited to a Scout on the Application for Merit Badge and given to the Scoutmaster at the end of the week.|[[Advancement in Summer Camp]]}}

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*''"Any Boy Scout may earn any merit badge at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible."'' - [[Merit Badge Policies#Introduction|Boy Scout Requirements p. 22]]

{{quote-source|A [[Boy Scout]] resident camp is a [[council]]-organized camp of at least five consecutive nights duration and operates under trained leadership.

{{quote-source|A [[Boy Scout]] resident camp is a [[council]]-organized camp of at least five consecutive nights duration and operates under trained leadership.

;Some of the Mandatory and Quality Standards

;Some of the Mandatory and Quality Standards

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* '''M23:''' The [[buddy system]] of having two or more campers together is used in all appropriate activities, such as aquatics, backpacking, climbing/rappelling, [[COPE]], off-camp activities, and in all Cub Scouting activities...

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* '''M23:''' The [[buddy system]] of having two or more campers together is used in all appropriate activities, such as aquatics, backpacking, climbing/rappelling, COPE, off-camp activities, and in all Cub Scouting activities...

* '''M25:''' Programs are [[Age-Appropriate Guidelines|age-appropriate]] for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. A range of programs is available based on their age and level of maturity. See [[Age-Appropriate Guidelines|Age Appropriate Chart]] in the [[Guide to Safe Scouting]] at [www.scouting.org/pubs/gss]...

* '''M25:''' Programs are [[Age-Appropriate Guidelines|age-appropriate]] for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. A range of programs is available based on their age and level of maturity. See [[Age-Appropriate Guidelines|Age Appropriate Chart]] in the [[Guide to Safe Scouting]] at [www.scouting.org/pubs/gss]...

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* '''M26:''' The on-site camp director is at least 21 (preferably 25 or older) years of age and is currently trained in camp management by a [[National Camping School]], with at least two seasons of prior administrative or supervisory experience recommended...

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* '''M26:''' The on-site camp director is at least 21 (preferably 25 or older) years of age and is currently trained in camp management by a National Camping School, with at least two seasons of prior administrative or supervisory experience recommended...

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* '''M27:''' The on-site program director is at least 21 years of age and is currently trained by a [[National Camping School]] as a program director for the appropriate program element (Cub Scouting/Boy Scouting)...

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* '''M27:''' The on-site program director is at least 21 years of age and is currently trained by a National Camping School as a program director for the appropriate program element (Cub Scouting/Boy Scouting)...

* '''M35:''' There must be a minimum of two adult leaders with each unit and/or campsite.

* '''M35:''' There must be a minimum of two adult leaders with each unit and/or campsite.

* '''68:''' At least one staff member has been trained as a [[Leave No Trace]] trainer (two-day course). A Leave No Trace awareness workshop

* '''68:''' At least one staff member has been trained as a [[Leave No Trace]] trainer (two-day course). A Leave No Trace awareness workshop

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* '''70:''' [[Troop]]s are encouraged to prepare and serve at least three meals per week in the outdoors. The camp must provide outpost camps with special program features and equipment for overnight camping...

* '''70:''' [[Troop]]s are encouraged to prepare and serve at least three meals per week in the outdoors. The camp must provide outpost camps with special program features and equipment for overnight camping...

* '''71:''' Campers are exposed to an [[Order of the Arrow]] (OA) program activity during their stay.

* '''71:''' Campers are exposed to an [[Order of the Arrow]] (OA) program activity during their stay.

* '''M-74:''' At least three programs are provided that emphasize participation by patrols and strengthen the [[patrol method]]...

* '''M-74:''' At least three programs are provided that emphasize participation by patrols and strengthen the [[patrol method]]...

* '''75:''' At least two campwide program events are provided during each camp period to stimulate troop program...

* '''75:''' At least two campwide program events are provided during each camp period to stimulate troop program...

* '''76:''' The camp program includes at least two special program opportunities for second-, third-, and fourth-year campers that are not available to first-year campers that are of an advanced nature...

* '''76:''' The camp program includes at least two special program opportunities for second-, third-, and fourth-year campers that are not available to first-year campers that are of an advanced nature...

Scouts may be placed in a troop that is supervised by full time staff whose only job is to ensure that the Scouts' week at camp is the best it can be. The Scout brings all his personal gear and the summer camp typically provides everything else. The provisional troop is made up of boys from across a [[local council]] and is a great opportunity to meet new friends and experience summer camp in a whole new way. Alternately, Scouts may also be placed with Troops already in camp.

Scouts may be placed in a troop that is supervised by full time staff whose only job is to ensure that the Scouts' week at camp is the best it can be. The Scout brings all his personal gear and the summer camp typically provides everything else. The provisional troop is made up of boys from across a [[local council]] and is a great opportunity to meet new friends and experience summer camp in a whole new way. Alternately, Scouts may also be placed with Troops already in camp.

Boy Scout Resident Camp (or Summer Camp) is what many Scouts enjoy most. Camp programs provide numerous opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges and just have fun! Summer Camps are at least five nights and six days of fun outdoor adventures. Many troops hold an Advancement Campout to help prepare new Scouts. Troops also provide Fundraising opportunities allowing a Scout to earn enough in their Individual Accounts for a week of Summer Camp!

What is summer camp like?

Summer camp is FUN! Summer camps help boys develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Scouts learn and explore as they find adventure. Opportunities range from new Scout programs to more advanced challenges for older Scouts. Every summer camp is different but will typically offer a range of merit badges and awards that might include:

What do I need to bring?

Check with your own summer camp and troop about what they suggest you bring and what items are restricted. In addition, different merit badges may require that you bring extra items. For instance Swimming might require you to bring a long-sleeve button-up shirt. To get you started, here is a general checklist: Camping Checklist. Here is also a checklist of what the BSA suggests you have in your personal First Aid Kit.

National Boy Scout Resident Camp Standards

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A Boy Scout resident camp is a council-organized camp of at least five consecutive nights duration and operates under trained leadership.

Some of the Mandatory and Quality Standards

M23: The buddy system of having two or more campers together is used in all appropriate activities, such as aquatics, backpacking, climbing/rappelling, COPE, off-camp activities, and in all Cub Scouting activities...

M26: The on-site camp director is at least 21 (preferably 25 or older) years of age and is currently trained in camp management by a National Camping School, with at least two seasons of prior administrative or supervisory experience recommended...

M27: The on-site program director is at least 21 years of age and is currently trained by a National Camping School as a program director for the appropriate program element (Cub Scouting/Boy Scouting)...

M35: There must be a minimum of two adult leaders with each unit and/or campsite.

68: At least one staff member has been trained as a Leave No Trace trainer (two-day course). A Leave No Trace awareness workshop

is offered to leaders and campers...

M-69: Program experiences are provided to qualify Scouts in each of the hiking, camping, and outdoor requirements of Tenderfoot through First Class ranks...

Staff members are trained as merit badge counselors and offer opportunities for Scouts to earn a variety of merit badges at camp. A letter from the council advancement committee is provided approving merit badge counselors...

70:Troops are encouraged to prepare and serve at least three meals per week in the outdoors. The camp must provide outpost camps with special program features and equipment for overnight camping...

Scouts may be placed in a troop that is supervised by full time staff whose only job is to ensure that the Scouts' week at camp is the best it can be. The Scout brings all his personal gear and the summer camp typically provides everything else. The provisional troop is made up of boys from across a local council and is a great opportunity to meet new friends and experience summer camp in a whole new way. Alternately, Scouts may also be placed with Troops already in camp.

All boys are to abide by the leadership of the Troop they are assigned and the camp staff. They must be registered in the Boy Scouts of America and bring a properly completed medical and consent to treatment form to camp and comply with all other rules.